World datelines

LONDON  The British Royal Navy ship on which Prince William is serving made a major cocaine bust in the north Atlantic, Britain's defense ministry said Wednesday.

The prince helped his crew mates on HMS Iron Duke intercept a speedboat northeast of Barbados on Saturday. He was aboard a helicopter attached to the frigate that spotted a speedboat and grew suspicious that such a small vessel should be so far from land, the ministry said.

The helicopter crew informed the ship's commanding officer, and the ship gave chase.

Mexico: Pacific storm forms

MEXICO CITY  Tropical Storm Douglas formed off Mexico's Pacific coast Wednesday, but forecasters said it was not expected to hit land.

Douglas was located about 270 miles west-southwest of the port city of Manzanillo, and a bit farther from the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.

Mongolia: Deadly rioting

ULAN BATOR  Rifle-toting soldiers and armored vehicles guarded Mongolia's capital Wednesday, one day after at least five people died in rioting sparked by allegations of fraud in parliamentary elections.

President Nambaryn Enkhbayar declared a four-day state of emergency after thousands of rock-throwing protesters clashed with police Tuesday while they mobbed the headquarters of the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party and set it aflame.

The demonstrators also attacked the General Election Commission, demanding that officials resign.

Namibia: Rare species auction

WINDHOEK  Six species of rare animals, including eight black rhinos, will be sold in an auction to boost conservation efforts in Namibia, wildlife officials said Wednesday.

Teams were deployed this week in the Etosha National Park  the country's most famous game sanctuary  to capture sable antelope and black-faced impalas. The rhinos and buffalo were captured last month.

Netherlands: Child labor case

THE HAGUE  The International Criminal Court on Wednesday ordered the release of the first suspect it took into custody, saying he cannot get a fair trial because prosecutors are withholding evidence.

The order to free Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga was a major blow to prosecutors. His trial was to be the first at the court focusing solely on the use of child soldiers.

Prosecutors immediately filed an appeal, which will keep Lubanga in custody for at least five days while the court decides what to do next.

Russia: U.S. weapons accord

MOSCOW  Russian lawmakers on Wednesday approved agreements in which the United States will provide aid to help the country dismantle its nuclear, chemical and other weapons.

The lower house of parliament, the State Duma, voted 336-9 with four abstentions to approve two protocols to the 1992 U.S.-Russian agreement on safe transportation, storage and disposal of weapons.